Emirates warns of busy travel period ahead

14 Dec 2016 by Tom Otley

Emirates has warned of a busy period ahead at Dubai International. The airline said the period will be the busiest of the year, with a total of 307,000 passengers expected to pass through Emirates’ Concourses and Terminal 3 between 14-17 December, according to the latest booking figures. The busiest day for the airline is expected on Friday 16 December.

The airline says it is deploying extra staff to assist customers, but also reminds customers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before flight departure, and, if departing, plan extra time to get to the airport to avoid heavy traffic during the holiday period. Transferring passengers will avoid the traffic, but can expect busy concourses and shops at the airport.

All passengers can check-in online before departure, and this was recently extended to 48 hours to 90 minutes before departure. Customers can check in on their desktops, mobile devices or use the Emirates App, in addition to using the self service kiosks at the airport.

For families, Emirates has designated special check-in areas consisting of 20 economy check-in counters in Terminal 3 at Area 2.

Passengers have been requested to check in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure, regardless of class of travel. Customers who have checked in online are also required to check in their luggage 90 minutes before flight departure. Customers who check in less than 60 minutes to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted. Emirates passengers are also strongly advised to go through security checks no later than 60 minutes before their flight, as boarding on all flights begins 45 minutes prior to departure. Customers holding an e-boarding pass and travelling with carry-on bags only, can proceed directly to passport control and security clearance. Gates in all concourses close 20 minutes prior to departure. The airline says that “check-in and gate closure timings will be strictly followed to ensure flights depart on schedule”.